16 FEBRUARY 1900 - WELL AT WITT DAM (NEAR JACOBSDAL)

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A squadron of Kitchener’s Horse under Captain Sampson was employed to guard the well at Witt Dam. On 14th and 15th February, Boers kept up fire on the post until the afternoon of the latter date, when they attacked in force, but were driven back.

 

At daylight on the 16th, firing recommenced and continued until noon. In the afternoon, under cover of a dust storm, the enemy advanced and surrounded the party. Commandant de Wet demanded the surrender of the post.

 

The men had been two days without food, many had dysentery, and very little ammunition was left. The officers accordingly decided to surrender. SA Surrenders: WO108-372.